Lenox, Taylor County, Iowa obituaries
transcribed by: Lorelei Rusco - lorerus@iowatelecom.net
 
 

Cheese, Dorothy White -

Dorothy Cheese died March 17, 2007 at Centre Avenue Health and Rehab

Facility in Fort Collins.

She was born on May 8, 1918 in Kent, Iowa to Edna Worsley White and

Chauncey C. White.

Dorothy attended school in Creston, Iowa and at the University of Iowa.

Before she was married she taught elementary school, including in

Lenox, Iowa. On June 5, 1943 she married Hal C. Cheese in Denver, Colorado.

In 1969 they moved to Fort Collins after residing in Greeley, Cheyenne

and Arvada.

Dorothy was a member of the First United Methodist Church, Daughters

of the American Revolution, and Questors. She loved playing bridge and

was a member of several bridge groups. Her hobbies included sewing,

baking, quilting, painting, genealogy and making crafts.

She is survived by her children, Jacqueline Busacker and husband Riley of

Cheyenne, Wyoming; Kendra Cheese of Arvada, Colorado; Kent Cheese

and wife Sandy of Parker, Colorado; four grandchildren, Chauncey

Busacker of Denver, Colorado; Ashley Busacker of Fort Collins, Colorado;

Ryan Cheese of Phoenix, Arizona; Sean "Mitch" Cheese of Fort Collins,

Colorado; step grandchildren, Jason Widdows and Shawn Widdows of

Denver, Colorado; and three great grandchildren. Dorothy is also survived

by her dear friend and caregiver, Dee Fleener of Greeley, Colorado.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Hal, her parents; a sister, Jean

Schofield; and a brother, Forest White.

A memorial service will be held on Monday, April 2, 2007 at 11:00 a.m.

at the First United Methodist Church in Fort Collins, Colorado.

Memorial contributions can be made to National Jewish Medical and

Research Center, PO Box 17169, Denver, CO 80217 or to the American

Lung Association of Colorado, 5600 Greenwood Plaza Blvd., Greenwood

Village, Colorado 80111

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday March 28, 2007

 

Douglas, Sandra (Kay) Horton -

Funeral services for Kay Douglas, age 65, of Lenox, who died Saturday, March 3,

2007 were held Wednesday, March 7, 2007 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Presbyterian

Church in Lenox. Interment was held at North Fairview Cemetery in Lenox.

Memorials can be directed to the Lenox Volunteer Fire Department or the Ambulance

Service. Memories can be shared with the family on our website at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com

under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Lenox.

Sandra Kay (Horton) Douglas was born September 17, 1941, in Clearfield, Iowa

the daughter of William Horton and Grace (Short) Horton. She grew up in the Clearfield

area attending school, graduating from the Clearfield High School with the Class of

1960. She met Lanny Douglas when she was eighteen, and the couple was united in

marriage on July 9, 1960, in Des Moines, Iowa. After their marriage, Lanny and Kay lived

in Lenox where she helped Lanny run the family business. Three children were born to

bless their lives, Connie, Ed and Monty.

Kay's family was always very important to her. She loved attending their activities

as they were growing up. Always a sports enthusiast, she especially enjoyed watching the

Iowa Hawkeye's play football. Kay was active in the Clearfield Lion's Club and enjoyed

attending the Iowa State Fair each year helping with their activities. When she was

blessed with grandchildren, she always looked forward to babysitting them ... that and

running 'Kay's Diner ', a place where you only left hungry by your own choice! She loved

being around people and enjoyed traveling, having been to many places around

the United States while on the local bank bus trips. Kay was also a member of the Lenox

United Presbyterian Church.

Left to cherish Kay's memory are her loving husband of forty-seven years, Lanny Douglas

of Lenox; a daughter, Connie Sullivan and husband Ed of Ankeny; two sons, Ed Douglas of

Lenox; and Monty Douglas and wife Christy of Lenox; six grandchildren, Adam and

Abby Sullivan; Dylan and Madison .Douglas; and Camryn and Cadence Douglas; along with

many other relatives and friends.

Preceding Kay in death were her parents William and Grace Horton; three brothers,

Bob, John and Vernie Horton; and a sister, Cleota Larsen.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday March 14, 2007

 

Dyer, Helen Beatrice Miller Trumbo -

Helen Trumbo Dyer was born December 24, 1911 in Page County, Iowa to Delbert

and Nellie Clayton Miller and died Sunday, February 18, 2007 at the age of 95 years.

She was united in marriage to Donald R Trumbo July 23, 1935. They lived in

Bedford, IA. Following Don's service in the Navy in World War II, they moved to

Oakland, Atlantic, and LeMars, IA, where he was a Farm Bureau Fieldman. He

preceded Helen in death on March 4, 1956. On February 17, 1962 Helen was united

in marriage to Quentin Dyer. They resided in Clearwater, KS. He preceded her in

death December 13, 1984.

Helen attended school in College springs and graduated from high school in New

Market, Iowa, where she played basketball. She attended college in Maryville,

MO and later in Greeley, CO. She was housemother at Sabin Hall for Married

Couples in Greeley, Co in 1959 and 1960. She was a rural school teacher in Taylor

County, IA and Audubon county several years. She also taught schools

in Blockton, Aurelia, Pella, Shelby, and Glenwood, IA.

She was a member of the first United Methodist Church in Clearwater, KS, and

Atlantic, IA. She had been a member of the study club and V.P.W. in Clearwater

and a Past Matron and 50 year member of the Order of Eastern Star in Bedford,

IA. Helen loved to entertain in her home, and until her eye sight failed, she

enjoyed playing cards and reading.

In addition to her husbands, she was preceded in death by her parents and

one brother Clark Miller; sisters Eula Clayton Hall and Gladys Christensen; brothers-

in-law Harry Clayton, Russell Hall, Fred Christensen, Vern Trumbo, Ross Seckman,

Wendell Dyer, Audrey Dyer, and sisters-in-law Kitty Seckman, Anita Dyer, Jen

Dyer, and two step-children, Steve Dyer and Joanne (Dyer) Hartman.

She is survived by two daughters, Sheryl Myers and husband Dale of Atlantic, IA;

Carole Christensen and husband Jerry of Salina; KS; four grandchildren, Sherry

Kaufman and husband Mark of Harlan, IA; Brent Myers and wife Jan of Atlantic;

Pam Christensen and friend Mary Jo Parker of Salina, KS; and Scott Christensen

and wife Dawn of Salina, KS. Also surviving are seven great grandchildren,

Zach, and Jon Kaufman, Mallory, Megan, and Nick Myers, and Robert Hartranft

and Ashley Christensen. Surviving are sisters-in-law, Lucille Miller, Owen

Wetmore, Evelyn Reusser, and Helen M. Dyer; brothers-in-law, Dale Dyer

and Alton Reusser, and several nieces and nephews.

The funeral was at Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic Wednesday, February 21st.

Burial in Bedford at Fairview Cemetery.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday February 28, 2007

 

Key, Melvin Lewis -

Melvin Lewis Key of Atlantic passed away at Cass County Memorial Hospital on

Saturday, February 17, 2007. The son of George F. and Lillian (Hyatt) Key, Melvin

was born southwest of Lenox, Iowa, on February 5, 1919. He was raised in the Lenox

area graduating from Lenox High School in 1940. On June 11, 1940, Mel married Linda

Fern Hawthorne in Grant City, Missouri. While in high school, Mel was employed as a

clerk in the retail clothing business for Quinn's Clothing Store in Lenox. He later

worked for Howard's in Anita and Hamburg. In 1952, he and his family moved to

Atlantic when he began working in the Atlantic Howard's store. He became a partner

in the Atlantic store and continued to work until he retired after 43 years in the

clothing business. After retiring from the retail .business, he concentrated on

the farm he had purchased in Taylor County near Lenox.

Mel served in the Navy during WWII and was a member of First United Methodist

Church, Elks Club, American Legion, and VFW. He was an active community worker,

serving as a city councilman, school board member, and volunteer fireman while living in

Hamburg as well as a volunteer baseball coach for numerous organizations in Lenox,

Hamburg and Atlantic. He was president of Atlantic Lions and YMCA and was on

the YMCA board when the first building was constructed. Mel's contributions to his

community and country were commendable, but his family remained his priority. He

taught by example.  From his example, his children were able to learn about

responsibility, commitment, industriousness, self-reliance, and unconditional love. So

many powerful lessons from a very unassuming man. Throughout his life he gave his

children and grandchildren continuous support and invaluable memories.

He is survived by his wife Linda of Atlantic; two sons, Martin Key and wife Carolyn

of Atlantic and Patrick Key of Albuquerque, New Mexico; and three-daughters, Sheri

Johnston and husband Robert of Bloomington, Minnesota, Mary Skoog and husband

John of Wheatland, Wyoming, and Teri Key of Encinitas, California. Also surviving are

his brother Reldon Key and wife Doris of Lenox, Iowa: daughter-in-law, Sonia Key;

grandchildren Maya and Ty Key, Shannon Rocha and husband Randy, Maria

Stephens and husband Rob, MacLane Key and wife Allison, Bo Johnston, Josh Johnston

and wife Betsey, Zachary and Allison Johnston, Karina Dierks and husband Travis, and

Louisa and Jeppa Skoog; and greatgrandchildren Brandon and Chris Wilkins, Levi Butler,

Ryan Smith, Mason Rocha, Kate, Owen, and Hattie Johnston, and Noah Dierks.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one son George F. Key, one brother Kenneth

Key, two-sisters, Bonnie Trexler and Marie Miller, and three grandchildren.

Funeral services were held at the funeral home on Saturday, February 24th at 2:00 p.m.

Pastor Gary DeGeest of the United Methodist Church officiated. Burial took place

in the Atlantic Cemetery with military honors presented by the Atlantic Color Guard.

The family suggests memorials to Senior Alumni Scholarship Foundation (SASF) or

Atlantic Little League. Roland Funeral Home in Atlantic is caring for Melvin's

family and his arrangements.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday February 28, 2007

 

Key, Patricia Ann Nelson -

Funeral Services for Patricia Key, age 60 of Lenox who died Friday, March 23,

2007 at the Iowa Methodist Medical Center in Des Moines were held Tuesday,

March 27, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Cremation

followed the services. Memorials can be given in her name. Memories can be

shared with the family on our web site at www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under

Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of

Bedford.

Patricia Ann (Nelson) Key was born June 12, 1946, in Independence, Iowa the

daughter of Floyd Nelson and Lenora (Zornes) Nelson. She grew up in the

Independence area attending school, graduating with the Class of 1964.

On December 30, 1989, she was united in marriage to Albert "Gene" Key in

Independence.

After living her entire life in Independence, Patricia and Gene moved to

the Lenox area in 2004. She especially loved moving back to the country

where she could enjoy the peace and quiet. She truly loved spending time

outdoors, tending to her garden and the numerous cats who kept her

company. She was a very gifted quilter, and also enjoyed, other sewing

projects and making ceramics. Patricia truly loved her family, and

always looked forward to spending time with her great nephews when

they came to visit. She had an adventurous spirit, and many times you

would find her oh the 4-wheeler with one of the nephews when they

came to visit!

Left to cherish Patricia's memory are her loving husband of eighteen years,

Gene Key of Lenox; a son, Michael McMurrin of Des Moines; a step-daughter,

Debra Gerjevic and husband Paul and their son Paul, all of Council Bluffs; a

brother, Neil Angelo, Texas; two sisters, Lynn Palmer and husband

David of San Angelo, Texas; and Sue Johnson and husband Charlie of

Independence, along with many nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Preceding Patricia in death are her parents, Floyd and Lenora Nelson and two

brothers, Mark and Mike Nelson.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday April 4, 2007

 

Leonard, Rose Mary Higday -

Rose Mary Leonard was the oldest child born to Carroll Linden and Jennie June

(Mackey) Higday on June 22, 1922 in Kellerton, Iowa. She passed away at the

Clearview Nursing Home on February 19, 2007 at the age of 84. She was selected as "Miss

Kellerton" at the age of 16 and went on to the Iowa State Fair. She also was Ringgold

County Health Queen. She graduated from Kellerton High School in 1941 and then went

on to Simpson College to get her teaching degree. She taught country school until her

marriage to Donovan R (D.R.) Leonard on December 28, 1943 in Maryville, Missouri.

Rose Mary was a homemaker for Donovan and their seven children. She was an excellent

cook, always being there for the kids when they got off the school bus. In 1974, she

started working as a housekeeper during the day and cook at night at the Clearview

Nursing home in Clearfield, Iowa. She retired in 1991.

Family was very important to the Leonard's. D.R.'s parents Ralph and Jennie and his

sister Velma, along with her husband Howard, and their children Kay and Maria were

always  Rose Mary and D.R.'s family to help paint barns, to harvest large gardens

and to process chickens for good eating through the winter months. No one escaped

these chores, not even the youngest grandchild. Our favorite saying was "NOT

MORE CORN!" Sunday dinners were special with the homemade rolls and meringue

pies. Her younger brothers and sisters spent summers at the farm as well as friends

of the children. There was always room for one more plate at the table. She loved

all the babies and sang to them while rocking them in the old rocking chair. She would

have all the fixings for root beer floats and asked the grandkids if they wanted one

and then added "while you are at it, make me one too!" She loved flowers and being

outside. She had many hooks around her porch and it was customary on Mother's Day

for each child to bring a hanging basket. She never forgot where each Flower came

from either! Rose Mary had a language all her own, some of which can't be repeated!

She was also famous for her work lists for anyone who might come along. You also

never had to wonder where she was because if she left the house or even went to

lay down she always left a note for whoever should come by to wake her up or telling

them where she was and when she planned to be back. Everyone always had a place to

stay at Rose Mary's house but during the last 15 years she made sure that she had a

special bed for her little man, Daniel. That same little man even had a place by her

bed during the last few breaths she took.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Donovan in 1989, her son Lyle, her parents,

brothers Gerald and Max Higday, sisters Caryll Lou Campbell and Jeannette Higday,

and brother-in-laws, Everett Fugate, Duane Campbell, Howard Lind, and Maurice Hanson.

Left to cherish her memory are children Julaine Compton, husband Dan of Clearfield,

Jennie Jeanne Stephens, husband Dick of Clearfield, Linden Leonard, wife Cindy of Creston,

daughter-in-law Vicky Leonard of Clearfield, Larry Leonard, wife Heather of Parker,

Colorado, Ricky Leonard, wife Bess of Creston, and Ronny Leonard, wife Karen of Diagonal.

Grandchildren Tammy Thomas, Mike Harrison, Daniel Compton, Scott Stephens, Darin

Stephens, David Leonard, Kristen Leonard, Lance Leonard, Chris Leonard, Daniel

Leonard, Jamie David, Jenny Robinson, Jordan Leonard, Justin, R Leonard, Blade Martwick,

Daniel Martwick, Colleen Wilcoxson, Cody Leonard, Seth Leonard, Ashley Conley, and two

namesake granddaughters, Kaitlyn Rose Leonard and Rosetta Marie Leonard.

Great-grandchildren Amy Brokaw, Jeremy Sobotka, Lauren Sobotka, Cheyenne Thomas,

Jack Compton, Jake Compton, Taylor Compton, Janey Stephens, Noah Stephens, Gage

Stephens, Emma Stephens, Ella Jo Leonard, Austen David, Caeden David, Dayna

Robinson, Makenzi Martwick and one great-great grandson Aydan Brokaw. Brother Jack,

wife Pat Higday, sisters Betty Jean Fugate and Linda Kay Higday, and sister-in-laws

Velma Hanson and Ann Higday; nieces, nephews, other relatives and a host of friends.

A memorial fund has been established in her name.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday February 28, 2007

 

Little, Bessie Laurel Hardisty Young -

Graveside funeral services for Bessie Little, age 95 of Corning, who died Monday,

March 5, 2007, at the Lenox Care Center were held Wednesday, March 7, 2007 at

2:00 p.m. at the Oakhill Cemetery in Corning. Memorials can be given in her

name. Memories can be shared with the family on our website at www.ritchiefuneralhome.

com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to Roland-Ritchie Funeral Home of

Corning.

Bessie Laurel (Hardisty) (Young) Little was born October 8, 1911, in Carbon, Iowa the

daughter of Benjamin Hardisty and Belle (Westlake) Hardisty. She grew up in Carbon and

attended grade school. Bessie and her sisters boarded in Corning so they could attend

the Corning High School. After graduation she taught country school after attending

UNI Teacher's College. She was united in marriage to Jack Young on August 16, 1933.

She continued to teach country school until the school board found out she was married.

She later taught several years in Villisca. Jack passed away on November 28, 1973. She

then moved to the Winterset area, teaching in St. Charles. After her retirement, she met

Grover Little and the couple united in marriage on January 4, 1983. They lived in rural

Winterset until they entered the Westbridge Care Center.

Grover passed away on February 18, 2003. Bessie moved to the Lenox Care Center in

March of 2003. Bessie was a person who never complained, or ever said anything bad

about anyone, even when she had reason to. She was a true people person and was well

liked wherever she went. Even though she never had children of her own, she possessed

a motherly instinct and enjoyed being involved with her nieces and nephews. She enjoyed

the outdoors, working in her garden growing flowers and produce, giving most of it

away.

Left to cherish Bessie' s memory are two nephews, Don Vogel and wife Cleota of

Corning; and Jim O'Riley and wife Sheila of Pleasant Hill, Iowa; a niece, Etta Mae

Murphy and husband Mike of Shenandoah; along with many other relatives and friends.

Preceding Bessie in death were her parents Benjamin and Belle Hardisty; both

husbands Jack Young and Grover Little; and two sisters, Helen Vogel and Dorothy

O'Riley.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday March 14, 2007

 

Mains, Dorothy Inas Safley -

Funeral Services for Dorothy Mains, age 89 of Sharpsburg who died Friday,

February 16, 2007 at her home in Sharpsburg were held Tuesday, February

20, 2007 at 10:00 a.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Cremation

followed the services with burial of ashes to be held at a later date in the

Dallas Center Cemetery. Memorials can be directed to the Sharpsburg City

Hall. Memories can be shared with the family on our web site at

www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted

to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Dorothy Inas (Safley) Mains was born in rural Taylor County, Iowa on October

12, 1917, the daughter of Alford Safley and Hazel (Hensley) Safley. She grew

up attending rural schools and graduated from the Bedford High School.

On July 15, 1937, she was united in marriage to Weldon Mains in Tarkio,

Missouri. Dorothy was a wonderful wife, mother, grandmother and friend.

She was a cook at the Sharpsburg Community School, and also kept busy as

a housekeeper for several years and did quite a bit of wallpapering. She worked

at the Sheridan Egg Company in Lenox, at the Taylor County Care Facility and at

Taylor Ridge, retiring in 1990. In her spare time Dorothy enjoyed working in

 her flower beds and tending to her garden, where she always looked forward

to canning the produce to share with her family. She was a tremendous

baker and cook, specializing in homemade noodles and cookies, which she was

known to share with many people in the community. During the winter months,

Dorothy kept busy quilting. Dorothy was always active in the Sharpsburg

community, whether it was lending a hand at a community function or

providing baked goods for some event, she was 'always willing to put other

people's needs ahead of her own', and to 'give of herself  in any situation.

Left to cherish Dorothy's memory are her eight children, Gary Mains and

wife Helen of Huxley, Iowa; Gene Mains and wife Connie of Sharpsburg;

Glenna Alcorn and husband Ray of Westminister, Colorado; Judy Isman and

J.L. Andrus of Crane, Missouri; Grover Mains and wife Mary of Clearfield; Joyce

Giley and husband Jack of Conway; Jay Mains and wife April of Sharpsburg;

and Jan Davidson and Kelly McDaniel of Afton; three sisters, Agnes Scherick

of Bedford; Donnabelle Ernest of Bedford; and Irene Maskers of Decatur,

Alabama; a daughter-in-law, Imogene Mains of Creston; twenty-one

grandchildren; twenty-six great grandchildren; and three great great-

grandchildren.

Preceding Dorothy in death are her parents; her husband Weldon in 1988; three

sons, Gail Mains in 1992; and Jerry and James Mains at infancy; a brother Ralph

Safley; three sisters, Helen Henderson, Naomi Bird and Mary Ruth Ross; a grandson

Scott Mains, and two great grandchildren, Jose Estrella and Julia Young.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday February 28, 2007

 

Miller, Raymond Leo -

Mass of Christian Burial for Raymond Miller, age 80, of Lenox who passed away on

Sunday, February 18, 2007 at his home were held Saturday, February 24, 2007 at

St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Lenox. Interment was held at the East Fairview

Cemetery in Lenox with military rites accorded by the Parkinson American Legion

Post No. 250. Memorials can be directed to St. Patrick's Catholic Church; the

Parkinson American Legion or Father Flanagan's Boy's Home. Please leave a

message of tribute to the Miller family on our web page, www.ritchiefunralhome.com

under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted to the Ritchie Funeral Home of

Lenox.

Raymond Leo Miller was born August 18, 1926, on a farm four miles northwest of

Sharpsburg, Iowa the son of Joseph Christopher Miller and Mary Alphonsia (Sapp)

Miller. He grew up attending the Grove No. 9 Country School through the eighth grade.

Raymond answered the call to serve his country through the United States Army as a

Technician Corporal serving in Company A151 Engineer C.B.N. Heavy Equipment.

He received the Korean Service Medal with two Bronze Stars. After his discharge

he returned to Lenox where he was employed by the Platt Township Cemetery as their

Caretaker for many years. He also worked for the Lenox Community School as a

substitute janitor for several years. Raymond was a member of the St. Patrick's

Catholic Church. His faith was very important to him. He was also a member of the

Lenox Parkinson American Legion Post No. 250. Raymond possessed a tremendous

memory of dates, names and history. He always kept to himself, but was always

aware of community events and various outings held around the area.

Left to cherish Raymond's memory are his brother, Joseph Eugene Miller of Lenox;

four nieces, Cathy Yarnell and husband Howard of Maryville, Tennessee; Mary

Frances Young of Memphis, Tennessee; Margaret Murphy and husband Pat of Des

Moines, Iowa; and Nancy Long and husband Rick of Sycamore, Illinois; three

nephews, Stephen Miller and wife Sharon of Bedford; David Miller and wife Rita of

Lenox; and Alan Miller and wife Deb of Lenox; along with many other relatives and

friends.

Preceding Raymond in death were his parents Joseph and Mary Miller; a sister,

Helen Margaret Miller; a sister-in-law, Rose Miller; and a great niece, Julie Young.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday February 28, 2007

 

Mintzer, Harry Eugene -

Funeral services for Harry Mintzer, age 43, of Clearfield, who died Tuesday

March27, 2007, at Methodist Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska were held

Tuesday, April 3, 2007 at 11:00 a.m. at the Roland-Ritchie Funeral Home in

Corning. Interment of ashes was held in the Brooks Cemetery. Memorials can be

given in Harry's name. Please leave a message of tribute to the Mintzer family

on our web page, www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements

were entrusted to Roland-Ritchie Funeral Home of Corning.

Harry Eugene Mintzer was born February 12, 1964, in Omaha, Nebraska, the son

of William and Marilyn (Connor) Mintzer. His childhood was spent in Omaha

and Montana, moving to Brooks when he was around 12 years old. He later moved

to Corning where he graduated from the Corning High School. Harry was

diagnosed with ALS (Lou Gehrig's Disease) in the early 1990's. His declining health

required him to reside at the Corning Nursing & Rehab Center, and in 1998, he

moved to the Ambassador Home in Omaha, Nebraska. Harry had been a

member of the Lutheran Church. He enjoyed reading and was knowledgeable about

many topics and subjects. He enjoyed watching television, he liked flowers, having

a fondness for tulips, daffodils and peonies, all of which were his favorites. He

looked forward to being around his friends and family and had a special love for

his dog 'Skippy'.

Harry is survived, by two brothers, Bill Mintzer and wife Carita of Corning; Earl

Mintzer; two nieces, Estella Mintzer and Christina Newcomb; along with

several aunts, uncles, cousins and friends.

Preceding Harry in death are his parents William and Marilyn; an aunt, Beth

Anderson; and a niece, Angela McCann.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday April 11, 2007

 

O'Riley, Harvey -

Funeral services for Harvey O'Riley of Creston were held Monday, March 12,

2007 at the United Methodist Church in Creston with Rev. Clark Finehout of

Creston and Pastor Dwayne Henrichs of Thayer officiating. Burial took

place in the Graceland Cemetery in Creston with military honors by the

Theodore J. Martens VFW Post #1797. Memorials are suggested to Peaceful

Passage House, Creston VFW, Williamson American Legion. Coen Beaty Pearson

Family Funeral Service of Creston was in charge of arrangements.

Harvey O' Riley was born June 13, 1920 in Cromwell, Iowa the son of Harry

Theodore O'Riley and Flo McGregor. He graduated from the Prescott High School

Class of 1939. On February 16, 1947 he was united in marriage to Roberta Jean

Kepner. He was a WWII veteran having served overseas in the United States

Army. Harvey farmed most of his life in Adams and Taylor Counties, later farming in

Union County from 1954-1989. Harvey also drove a school bus for Orient and

Creston and was the Spaulding Township Tax Assessor for several years.

Harvey served on the Union County Extension Council and ASCS County Central

Committee, a life member of the VFW and American Legion, member of

the United Methodist Church in Creston, former member of the Orient Lions Club,

Meet Your Neighbors or "MYN" Club, a 4-H leader and served on the Union County

Fair Board. When able he enjoyed attending meals, socializing and playing cards at

Congregate Meal Site in Creston. He was known for his talkative manner and his

love for the land.

Survivors include his sons: Mark (Mary) O'Riley, Creston, Mike (Chris) O'Riley,

Ankeny, Iowa, daughters; Marsha (Roy) Parsons, Creston and Mary (Guy) Lowrey,

Anita, Iowa; brother Robert "Bob" (Laura) O'Riley,  Golden, Colorado; sisters

 "Sally" (Al) Spindle and Joan (Dean) Williamson, both of Longmont, Colorado; nine

grandchildren; 17 great grandchildren; several nieces, nephews, other relatives and

many friends.

Preceding Harvey in death were his parents; wife Roberta on April 11, 2002,

step-mother Alma Kepner O'Riley, brother Max in 1990, brother Richard and sister

Doris in infancy, sisters Melba "Pat" George in 1998, Maxine "Micki" Miller in

January, 2007 and granddaughter Misty West in 2000.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday March 14, 2007

 

Pratt, Ruth Irene Reed -

Ruth Irene Pratt was born October 26, 1920 in Valley Township, Page County, Iowa,

to Lewis Early "Lou" Reed and Neva Belle (Ashmore) Reed. Ruth entered into rest

Monday, February 19, 2007 at Red Oak Good Samaritan Center, Red Oak, Iowa, at the

age of 86.

Ruth was born east of Hepburn where she grew up. She attended school at

VanDevender rural school then Clarinda High School taking Normal Training and two

summers at Maryville College. Ruth taught Johnson school in Douglas Township, one

year in Valley Township and one year at Kendrick in Taylor County. She then moved

to Omaha and worked at the Burlington Bus Depot where she met Keith Pratt, They

were married February 28, 1943 and went to Cheyenne, Wyoming where he was

stationed in the service. They moved to Lincoln, Nebraska then Council Bluffs, Iowa

after the War. In 1951 they bought a farm and returned to Taylor County where they

raised their family. Keith and Ruth moved into New Market in 1968 after their farm

house burnt. Ruth was active in the Church of Christ in New Market, a member of

several local clubs, belonged the Retired Professional Ladies, 4 & 8 Club, active in ladies

groups at church, and volunteering her time to area seniors. She was member of

the Loyal Sisters of the Church of Christ in New Market. In 1970, at the age of

50, Ruth returned to Iowa Western Community College and earned her LPN degree.

She worked fifteen years at Bethesda Care Center and the Clarinda Municipal Hospital.

Ruth was preceded in death by her parents; husband Keith; brothers Roland and

Keith Reed; and sisters, Helen Reed and Mildred Enarson.

She is survived by her children: Thomas Keith Pratt and wife Lois of Red Oak,

Iowa; Phillip Reed Pratt and wife Sharon of Omaha, NE; Timothy Allen Pratt and wife

Christie of Lee Summit, MO; Bruce Lou Pratt and wife Sandy of St. Joseph, MO;

Terry Roy Pratt and wife Jean of Dearborn, MO; Kenneth Andrew Pratt and wife Paula

of Platte City, MO; Cynthia Ann Moore and husband Chris of Clarinda, IA: Twenty one

grandchildren; fifteen-great grandchildren; brother-in-law and sister-in-law Darrell

and Doris Pratt of Red Oak, IA; and sitter Dorothy Motsinger, Villisca, IA.

Funeral services were held Friday, February 23, 2007 at Walker-Merrick

Funeral Home with Rev. Russ Clark and Rev. Loren Daly officiating. Interment

was at Memory Cemetery, Memorials are suggested to New Market Church of Christ,

New Market Fire & Rescue, or Clarinda Ambulance.

Walker-Merrick Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday February 28, 2007

 

Roach, Doris Marie Pennington -

Doris Marie Roach of Des Moines, formerly of Corning passed away

February 10, 2007 in Des Moines. Funeral services were held February

15, 2007 at Coen Beaty Family Funeral Service in Corning with burial

in the Walnut Grove Cemetery at Corning. Rev. Andrew Rubenking

officiated the service. Memorials may be directed to the family. On-line

condolences may be left at www.pearsonfuneralhomes.com.

Doris Marie Roach was born March 13, 1926 in Corning, Iowa the daughter

of Thomas Pennington and Augusta Mae Sutton. She was united in marriage

to Ronald Arthur Roach on March 11, 1942 in Grant City, Missouri. Ronald

preceded her in death on September 14, 1988.

She was a homemaker, enjoyed socializing with friends and neighbors,

crocheting and was a wonderful cook.

Doris is survived by her daughter, Carolyn Preston of Des Moines; son,

John (Linda) Roach of Kent, IA; son, Edward (Sherry) Roach of rural Kellogg,

IA; daughter, Laurie Schaefer, Indianola, IA; 13 grandchildren, 25 great

grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, sister-in-law Marie Roach and

family of Boulder, Colorado.

Preceding Doris in death were her parents, Tom and Augusta Pennington;

husband, Ronald Roach; brothers, Wesley Pennington, Paul "Penny" Pennington,

Roy "Toab" Pennington and sister, Hazel Johnson.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday February 21, 2007

 

Simmer, Donald L Jr. -

Services Donald Simmer Jr., of Prescott, who passed away February 19,

2007 were held February 23, 2007 at Coen-Beaty-Pearson Family

Funeral Service in Creston with Mary O'Riley, Hospice Chaplain, officiating.

Inurnment will take place at a later date at the Evergreen Cemetery in

Prescott. Memorials may be directed to the family of Donald Simmer,

Jr. On-line condolences may be left at www.pearsonfuneralliomes.com.

Donald L. Simmer Jr. was born November 26, 1938 in Adel, Iowa the son

of Donald L. Simmer, Sr. and Margaret Roseander. He was united in

marriage to Paula Dinsmore on July 21, 1979 in Lenox. Donald was a cook for

20 years at Commission for the Blind, Des Moines and Tanks Wagon Wheel

in Prescott. He then worked for Crest Union Glass and Quality Glass in

Creston.

Surviving Donald are his wife, Paula Simmer of Prescott; mother Margaret

Simmer of Clear Lake, Iowa; step-daughter Wendy McCallister (Owen),

Edward AFB, California; daughters: Becky Simmer (special friend, Jeremy

Klenk, Prescott; Donna Vanderpluym (Lucas) Greenfield, IA; Margaret

Siegwarth (Rob) of Creston; brothers: Larry Simmer, Mason City, IA, Richard

Simmer, California, Robert Simmer (Colleen), Paul Simmer and Dennis Simmer,

all of Clear Lake, IA, Francis Simmer, Ventura, IA, Dale Simmer, Mason City,

IA, Tom Simmer and Tim Simmer, Clear Lake, IA; sisters: Karen Olinger, Clear

Lake, IA, Dixie Haugen (Larry), Sandra Katz (Dale) Mason City, IA, four

grandchildren: Dawn Simmer, Prescott, Jenna and Aleigha Vanderpluym,

Greenfield, Kaydence Siegwarth, Creston and two step-grandchildren,

Lauri McCallister and Scott McCallister, California.

Preceding Donald in death were his brother Freddy Simmer; father Donald

Simmer Sr. and niece, Grace Simmer.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday February 28, 2007

 

Williams, Leona Booher -

Funeral Services for Leona Williams, age 84 of Athelstan who died Tuesday,

February 27, 2007 at the Mount Ayr Health Care Center were held Saturday,

March 3, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at the Ritchie Funeral Home in Bedford. Interment

was held in the Athelstan Cemetery. Memorials can be given in Leona's Name.

Memories can be shared with the family on our web site at

www.ritchiefuneralhome.com under Obituaries. Arrangements were entrusted

to the Ritchie Funeral Home of Bedford.

Leona (Booher) Williams was born September 30, 1922, in Athelstan, Iowa the

daughter of George W. Booher and Jessie J. (Woods) Booher. Leona was a life-long

Athelstan resident who grew up attending school, graduating from the Athelstan

High School with the Class of 1940. She met George Williams, who was from

Joplin, Missouri, and was in the area working at the CCC Camps. The couple was

united in marriage in March of 1940. Four children were born to bless her life, Harold,

Dale "Butch", Paul and Alice. Leona worked the switchboard at the Athelstan

Telephone Company for several years, and also at the Grant City Cap Manufacturing

Plant, retiring in 1982. She continued to live in the Athelstan area, until her health

required her to move to the Mount Ayr Health Care Center.

Leona always had a large garden. She loved to cook and bake, with banana cream pie

and noodle making as her family specialties. She enjoyed picking walnuts, gallons and

gallons of walnuts, always giving away most of what she picked. She enjoyed

the outdoors, even fishing and rabbit hunting when she could.

Leona was a gifted quilter and always very generous of her time and talents, putting

other people's needs ahead of her own. Her family was always most important to her,

and she enjoyed keeping her mind active. She attended the Athelstan Holiness Church.

Left to cherish Leona's memory are her three sons, Harold Williams and wife

Jeannette of Kellerton; Dale "Butch" Williams and wife Gloria of Siam; Paul Williams

and wife Judy of Licking, Missouri; a daughter, Alice Johnson and husband Richard

of Athelstan; a brother, Glade Booher and wife Dixie of Clarinda; a sister Marcelene

Binau and husband Chuck of Shenandoah; six grandchildren; three stepgrandchildren;

nine greatgrandchildren; six step-greatgrandchildren; one great greatgrandchild along

with many other family members and friends.

Preceding Leona in death are her parents George and Jessie Booher; a brother

George Booher, Jr., and two sisters, Darlene and Viola.

Lenox Time Table, Lenox, Iowa Wednesday March 7, 2007